The search for a Te Awamutu boatie missing off the Tauranga coast since Tuesday will continue today.

Police, Coastguard, Navy, and search and rescue volunteers have been searching for Karl Earwaker, 39, of Te Awamutu after his boat was found capsized two nautical miles south of Mayor Island.

'The search today will be supported by the Navy using sonar equipment to search the sea floor,” says Sergeant Craig Madden.

'There will also be a shoreline search of the southern end of Mayor Island by LandSAR volunteers and a Coastguard vessel.”

People taking part in a fishing competition in the area have also been made aware of the situation and have been asked to report any sightings of interest to police, adds Craig.

On Tuesday the white, upturned hull of Karl's 5.6m fibreglass Sea Nymphwas reported to emergency services by a light aircraft after 3pm.

Following its discovery, an extensive search both from sea and air by Police, Coastguard and private vessels and aircraft, has been carried out.